Helpful Things To Think About When Getting Dental Implants

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One of the biggest imperfections you can have with your smile is missing teeth. If this problem hinders your ability to smile with confidence, you can get dental implants. Before you do, these things are important to consider.

Advantages

Dental implants are an expensive procedure, so it's important to consider the benefits to help you make an informed decision. After implants are put in your mouth, your smile will be complete again. This gives you confidence to smile in any environment, whether it's at work or at a restaurant with some friends.

Implants do not need to be anchored to adjacent teeth, helping preserve as many healthy teeth as possible. Dental implants also provide support to your jawbone, so it will not sag at all. Since you will have a complete set of teeth again, you can talk and eat normally. They can even be tinted to match your natural teeth – giving them a truly authentic look.

Types of Implants

If you decide to get dental implants put in, it's important to consider the different types. The most common options are endosteal and subperiosteal implants. The former implants are placed directly into your jawbone. This prevents them from moving around while you talk or eat.  These implants are very common and they are shaped like little screws. The screw is then covered by a crown.

Subperiosteal implants are placed under your gums usually above the jawbone. These implants are mostly used for patients who have shallow jawbones.  Both of these procedures are a bit lengthy, as they require your gum tissue to heal before more steps can be completed. Talking with your doctor is often the best way to determine the right type of implant for you.

Maintenance

Once dental implants are secured in your mouth, it's critical to maintain them well. Otherwise, they might get damaged and even turn yellow. A soft-bristled brush should be used when cleaning your implants, as this prevents you from applying too much pressure and potentially chipping the implants.

You also might want to consider using a dental water flosser. This device helps clean in between dental implants, such as places where regular floss can't reach. Cleaning your implants with this device as often as possible can help keep them white and free of plaque.

Before getting dental implants put in by a dentist, it's a good idea to consider these things. They will help you decide if implants are right for your dental problems. Specialists like Merrimack Valley Periodontics can help.


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